One More Thing Before You Go

A profound exploration of metaphysical awakening unfolds in this producer‑favorite replay from September 2025, as Michael sits down with Sara Byers — a respected business leader whose life was transformed by an unexpected spiritual opening. After the passing of her stepfather in 2020, Sara began receiving more than 3,000 pieces of poetry , often in the quiet hours of the night. These writings beca...

Director Ricardo de Montreuil joins Michael for a cinematic conversation about Mistura, the Peruvian film that blends food, memory, identity, and virtual production to bring 1960s Lima back to life. Together, they explore the emotional and cultural heartbeat of the story — from Afro‑Peruvian heritage to the flavors that shape who we are, individually and collectively. As Ricardo reflects on the pe...

In this Over the Teacup Sunday episode, Michael & Diane sit down to explore Rooster , the new HBO series starring Steve Carell and created by Bill Lawrence & Matt Tarses ( Ted Lasso , Shrinking , Scrubs ). They dive into the show’s warm, character‑driven storytelling, the small‑town secrets at its center, and the grounded emotional depth Carell brings to the role. With a standout ensemble...

What if the story you’ve been told about food your whole life… wasn’t the truth? In this conversation, wellness pioneer Cherie Calbom opens up about the trauma that shaped her, the healing that rebuilt her, and the lies about nutrition that changed the health of an entire generation. Together, we explore the seed‑oil scandal, the rise of chronic illness, and the emotional journey of reclaiming you...

What is it about travel that transforms us? Does stepping into a new place make us wiser, more compassionate, more connected to the world? Or is travel sometimes just an escape — a temporary break from the weight of everyday life? Today, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes with Douglas Brouwer , author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel . Doug...

What happens when the story you’ve been trained to tell can no longer hold the truth you’re living? In this cinematic and deeply human conversation, journalist‑turned‑storyhealer Candace Lynn Talmadge joins Michael to explore grief, myth, reinvention, and the power of narrative to transform emotional trauma. After decades in the disciplined world of journalism, Candace’s life was shattered by the...

In this Over the Teacup episode, Michael and Diane sit down to unpack Margo’s Got Money Troubles , the new Apple TV dramedy created by David E. Kelley and starring Elle Fanning , Nick Offerman , Michelle Pfeiffer , and Nicole Kidman . Together, they explore the show’s messy, heartfelt world — from Margo’s unexpected journey into single motherhood and OnlyFans survival, to the complicated, hilariou...

In this cinematic and deeply human conversation, Heather Ann Ferri joins Michael Herst at the Mediterranean table to explore healing, identity, trauma, and the stories we carry — and the ones we choose to rewrite. Heather shares her powerful journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, spiritual awakening, and the lifelong work of reclaiming the self. Together, she and Michael dive into the...

What if one journey could rewrite the story you’ve been carrying your entire life? In this listener‑favorite episode, we revisit the extraordinary journey of Kirsten Rudberg , whose life was shaped by growing up overseas with a mother battling severe depression — a childhood marked by instability, emotional distance, and the quiet work of trying to understand her place in the world. Everything shi...

What do we learn about ourselves when we step into places that test us? The exploration of our true selves often unfolds in the challenging environments that test our limits. The nature of self-discovery is intrinsically tied to the journeys we undertake, particularly those that challenge our preconceived notions of comfort and fulfillment. In this cinematic episode, Michael sits down with Miles S...

This encore episode—originally aired April 30, 2025—remains one of my favorites. Emmy‑nominated producer and director Neil Laird joins me to explore how untold stories become powerful narratives that captivate audiences worldwide. With more than 1,000 hours of documentary programming for Discovery, National Geographic, and the BBC, Neil shares insights from his adventures across 70+ countries, the...

Award‑winning author Lexy Shaw Delorme has lived a life as genre‑defying as her fiction — rock musician, scientist, attorney, and global traveler. In this conversation, she shares the real stories behind The Limerent Series , the themes that shape her work, and how living across three continents transformed her voice as a writer. If you love creativity, reinvention, and emotionally charged storyte...

What is it about travel that truly transforms us? Does stepping into a new place make us wiser and more connected, or is travel sometimes just an escape from the everyday? In this powerful encore conversation, I sit down with Douglas Brouwer , seasoned traveler and author of The Traveler’s Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel . Douglas has spent a lifetime exploring the wo...

Bestselling author Aaron Ryan has written 41 books and reinvented himself more times than most creatives attempt in a lifetime. In this conversation, we explore how he found his voice, rebuilt after toxic environments, and continues to thrive in a world reshaped by AI. This episode is a powerful look at resilience, storytelling, and the courage to evolve as a creator. Creativity isn’t a straight l...

RJ Decker isn’t just another TV drama — it’s the kind of character‑driven storytelling that reminds us why we fall in love with television in the first place. In this Over the Teacup Sunday episode, Michael and Diane dive deep into the world of RJ Decker: the grounded lead, the emotional weight he carries, the supporting cast that elevates every scene, and the finale that quietly sets the stage fo...

At 72 years old, Marine combat veteran Rand R. Timmerman did something most people half his age will never attempt: he hiked the entire 2,100‑mile Appalachian Trail. But this wasn’t just an adventure — it was a mission. Rand set out to help his brother Ron, a 71‑year‑old Army veteran and commercial pilot, who was drowning in grief after losing his wife. Rand himself was in recovery from alcoholism...

What happens when technology evolves faster than our humanity? In this episode, Michael Herst sits down with Bruce D. Randall — AI strategist, ethicist, author, and Reiki Master — for a grounded, eye‑opening conversation about the future we’re all stepping into. Bruce brings a rare blend of technical insight and spiritual wisdom. Together, they explore: How AI is reshaping our lives and our sense...

In this episode, Michael sits down with chef, storyteller, and world traveler Karl Wilder for a conversation that feels like sharing a great meal with an old friend. Together, they explore how food connects us — not just to flavors, but to memories, people, and the moments that shape who we are. Karl opens up about the dishes he’ll never forget, the places that changed him, and the unexpected path...

n this warm and deeply personal episode, Michael and Diane explore the meaning of breakfast: the quiet moments at home, the traditions passed down through family, the comfort of familiar routines, and the joy of meeting friends or loved ones at your favorite café. Together, they dive into: Why breakfast feels like possibility The emotional value of slow mornings at home Cooking breakfast as a love...

Travel can be more than a trip—it can be a turning point. In this episode, Michael Herst sits down with Dr. Joy Owens, CEO of Butler Travel, to explore how travel becomes a catalyst for transformation in students, families, and leaders alike. From study abroad experiences to humanitarian missions, Joy shares how stepping into unfamiliar places can reshape identity, deepen connection, and awaken pu...

Scrubs is back — and so are we, Over the Teacup! In this Sunday sit‑down, Michael and Diane pour a cup and dive into the long‑awaited Scrubs reboot. From returning favorites like J.D., Turk, Elliot, Carla, Dr. Cox, and The Janitor… to the brand‑new interns bringing a 2026 twist to Sacred Heart, we explore what’s changed, what’s familiar, and what still makes this show one of the most beloved medic...

What does it mean to carry a culture in your hands — and in your sound? In this intimate and cinematic conversation, Michael sits down with Tara Connaghan , an award‑winning Irish traditional fiddler, educator, podcaster, and cultural storyteller from County Donegal. Tara’s life is shaped by music, memory, landscape, and the deep-rooted traditions of Ireland’s northwest coast. Together, we explore...

What does it take to become the person you were meant to be — not someday, but now? In this powerful and high‑energy conversation, Michael sits down with Nicky Billou , a bestselling author, elite performance coach, and the host of The Thought Leader Revolution . Known for helping entrepreneurs, executives, and creators unlock their deepest potential, Nicky brings a rare combination of intensity,...

Travel isn’t always glamorous — but it’s always transformative. In this cinematic conversation, Michael sits down with Ann Craig‑Cinnamon and John Cinnamon , a married duo whose 30‑year journey across more than 120 countries has shaped their lives, their marriage, and their understanding of the world. Ann and John are award‑winning broadcasters, entrepreneurs, documentary filmmakers, and authors o...

The exploration of veganism offers a profound opportunity to consider the ethical implications of our food choices, not only for our personal health but also for the well-being of the world around us. In this enlightening dialogue, we delve into the intricate intersections of animal ethics, food systems, and philosophical thought, guided by Dr. Matthew Halteman, a distinguished professor of philos...